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Why have a drink after work? -

Many of us enjoy a drink after work. Doing so provides an opportunity to socialize with co-workers at the end of the day, and can help strengthen friendships.

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A way of connecting with colleagues -

Indeed, socializing with co-workers serves as a way of connecting with colleagues in a more relaxed and informal atmosphere.

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Building on social capital -

Gathering after work for a drink can build on social capital. That is, engaging in small talk with a co-worker can enhance employees' daily positive social emotions.

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Making friends, and allies -

In fact, chatting over a drink can turn the people you work with into friends. More pertinently, perhaps, they can become allies, confidants you can turn to in times of professional or personal crisis.

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An ideas environment -

A get-together with close co-workers over a pint or two can also serve as a way of learning new skills or picking up useful institutional knowledge in an informal setting.

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Networking -

There's an old workplace adage that warns of the dangers of getting too close to someone who can fire you. But in actual fact, networking over drinks with your boss and co-workers after hours could advance your career.

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Opportunities for promotion -

Being among like-minded people and exchanging ideas or making suggestions can sometimes increase the likelihood of promotions, pay raises, and new positions.

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Fun time -

Ultimately, after-work drinking is about loosening up, blowing off steam, and having fun.

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Drinking too much -

But while drinking has long been the center of workplace culture, that quick drink to unwind can easily turn into a several downed over the course of an evening.

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Go to work, go home -

After-work drinking isn't for everyone, though. In fact, according to a report published by the New York Post, many Gen Zers and millennials are abstaining from alcohol altogether. Furthermore, they're choosing to eschew socializing with co-workers, preferring to adopt a go to work, go home attitude.

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A way of life -

The fact is, however, post-shift drinks to chill out over are par for the course in many cultures, particularly those in Western society. Payday drinks and end of the week tipples are especially popular.

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When to say "no" -

It's sometimes difficult to say "no" to a couple of cold ones, or a glass or two of Chardonnay. But how best to keep track of the booze at the bar?

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Know your limit -

If you opt to join colleagues for drinks, decide on a limit for what you're going to down beforehand. This may well test your resolve as the evening progresses, but keeping a mental note of what you've had will help set boundaries.

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Reasons not to drink -

It may well be that you've chosen not to drink for religious, cultural, personal, or health reasons. Make this plain to co-workers from the outset so as to avoid any embarrassment or misunderstanding.

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The first "hit" -

Bear in mind that after working eight hours or more, one beer will hit like two. Chase it down with a shot and it's very easy to get lightheaded or overly enthused—in other words, drunk!

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Beware of happy hours and promotions -

Beware of pub happy hours. Half-price drinks or two for the price of one deals sound great on paper, but these offers can promote binge drinking.

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Pace yourself -

Drink slowly. Changing down a gear may prove challenging when the booze is flowing, but turn the tables by knocking back one beer while everybody else has two.

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Dilute the situation -

Alternating drinks with water is great way of diluting the effects of alcohol. And this way you can still feel like part of the crowd, but without getting drunk.

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Go soft -

Alternatively, make every second drink a soft drink, a club soda perhaps, or a Coca-Cola. Again, you can keep pace with your co-workers without soaking up too much alcohol, and it will help keep you hydrated, too.

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How about a coffee? -

And no one's stopping you ordering a coffee. In fact, a caffeine fix beforehand can counter that drowsy end of the day fog that comes with sitting in an office all day.

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Alcohol-free -

Of course, you can always go alcohol-free. Staying sober doesn't mean you can't have a good time with your workmates. And think of the advantages. You'll save money and wake up the next morning without a hangover!

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Be sure to eat -

If you know there's an after-work get-together scheduled, it's a good idea to have a hearty lunch beforehand. Drinking on an empty stomach is just asking for trouble.

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Don't drink on an empty stomach -

As the hour draws nearer, prime the belly once again with a snack. And eating before alcohol consumption usually avoids the temptation of grabbing greasy takeaway at the end of the night!

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Eating and drinking -

If you weren't able to line your stomach with solids beforehand, make a point of eating something while at the bar or pub. Just go easy on the salt. Too much sodium chloride can induce a craving for more alcohol.

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Make it special -

Bringing food into the equation also helps lend an after-work drinking session an air of sophistication, especially if the venue is a well-known culinary hotspot.

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Don't buy rounds -

Here's a word of advice: avoid buying rounds. It's a sure-fire way of ending up drinking at the fastest drinker's pace.

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How to save money -

At the risk of being seen as miserly, dipping out of a round also saves you money. Play this one carefully, though. You don't want to be known as a scrooge, or someone who's unwilling to pay their way.

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Still a popular option -

Despite the rebuke by Generation Z, who, according to the New York Post, "tend to be ever concerned with 'healthy' work-life boundaries," the after-work drink remains on tap.

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Cheers! -

And with more people choosing to return to the office in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, imbibing post-shift has lost none of its appeal.

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Drink responsibly -

But drinking needs to be done responsibly and in moderation. It's one thing sharing a bit of downtime with colleagues over a couple of beers, quite another getting drunk and making those around you feel uncomfortable or pressured to join you.

Sources: (NeuroLeadership Institute) (Drinkaware) (Spaces) (Marie Claire) (New York Post) 

See also: How to lower your alcohol consumption and still enjoy a drink 

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